Your Parenting Matters

I am wondering how many moms and dads, grandmothers and granddads are noticing that they are dealing with the children in their lives and others who are close to them more negatively than usual. If you are like me, during the past couple of months you have been glued to your TV, radio and/or internet news watching the financial crisis unfold in disbelief. Many Americans are losing their houses and their jobs and stress levels can go off the scale.

In fact you may not even be aware that the reason your temper is flaring, you are having trouble sleeping and you feel fatigued could be due to stress. Is it possible that your over indulgence in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream could be your response to the uncertain times we are currently living in?

On the surface many of you would acknowledge that you feel stressed, who wouldn’t? This is a good time to start working on how do you stay centered in spite of all the chaos. Much like the eye of a hurricane, you can find that place where you are calm, centered and are able to “weather” the storm recognizing that while it is inconvenient and may have some negative fallout you will get through it.

As far as relating to children. It is important to realize that children pick up on your stress levels but they don’t have enough life experience to understand that sometimes life can throw you big curves. They unconsciously take cues from your behavior. So, you may see more misbehavior, more clinging from young children, more disrespect from teens and other out of the norm behavior. Uncertainty is difficult but at least you have the power to make decisions about what you are going to do. Children are at the mercy of what the adults in their lives choose.

So, some tips to help you prevent your stress from spilling over into your parenting.

DO keep up with your physical exercise. If you don’t exercise regularly use this time as an opportunity to start. You don’t have to do anything fancy…just take a walk with your kids.

DO include your children where age appropriate to help the family find ways to save money. Clip coupons together, watch for sales. It could be a new way to work together and have positive benefits. Kids need to feel important.

DO make an effort to eat healthy foods. When you put good stuff into your body you feel better and your attitude is better. Involve the kids in making something new and healthy.

DO get back to the simple things that you can do with your family. Use this time to get close to each other. Play board games, card games, rent a movie and have popcorn.

DO monitor your exposure to the news. Constant bombardment over and over about the bad stuff that is happening takes a major toll on your well-being. Remember the 24 hour news shows have to fill it with something.

DO take the time to breathe and stretch. A few minutes a day and when you feel anxious or stressed can make a huge difference.

DO reassure your kids that however this economy is affecting your family, they are loved and you all will get through it together.

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